Card Number 253, Mrs. James Brown Potter, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-7) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Duke Cigarettes 1880s

This is a trade card from the 1880s, produced by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to promote their Duke Cigarettes. The card depicts Mrs. James Brown Potter, a famous actress of the late 19th century, in profile. The image, likely taken from a photograph, is printed in black and white and features a simple design, focusing on the likeness of the subject. These cards were widely distributed and functioned as early forms of celebrity endorsements, associating the brand with popular figures of the time. The card is a valuable example of ephemera from the late Victorian era, offering insights into both the history of tobacco marketing and the cultural impact of popular theater in America.